The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has launched a “zero-tolerance” crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles across Islamabad.
Under the new campaign, inspection teams have been deployed at major roads and intersections to detect vehicles — especially old diesel buses, trucks, rickshaws, and poorly maintained motorcycles — releasing visible black smoke.
Owners of offending vehicles face immediate on-the-spot fines, and in serious cases their vehicles may be confiscated. Repeated or severe violations may lead to additional legal action under environmental laws.
The crackdown is prompted by growing concerns over air quality in the capital — vehicle emissions contribute significantly to smog, especially during winter when stagnant air traps pollutants, posing serious public-health risks.
Pak-EPA has urged citizens to maintain their vehicles properly — timely engine servicing, using quality fuel, and ensuring emission-control equipment are intact — as part of a shared responsibility to improve overall air quality.